Holding steady, #6,546 for girls today.
Popularity of Ilham since 1995
Babies named Ilham per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 20 | 0 |
| 2000s | 78 | 5 |
| 2010s | 92 | 0 |
| 2020s | 82 | 28 |
Meaning & origin
Ilham is a name of Arabic origin meaning inspiration, particularly divine inspiration. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1995 and has maintained a low but stable presence. As of 2025, it ranked 6,546th with a frequency of 1 in 94,545 births, which indicates it is a rare but consistent choice. Its peak year was 2025, suggesting a gradual uptick in interest. The name's trajectory has been stable, and it has not been recorded in any top state, reflecting its broad but sparse distribution. Ilham carries a spiritual weight that appeals to families seeking a meaningful name tied to Islamic tradition.
Ilham is a direct borrowing from Arabic إلهام (ilham), derived from the root l-h-m (to inspire). The concept of ilham is deeply embedded in Islamic theology as a form of inner prompting or revelation. The name has been used across the Muslim world, from the Middle East to South Asia and Southeast Asia, often chosen for its spiritual resonance. In Turkish, the cognate İlham carries the same meaning of inspiration.
“Ilham” around the world
Where Ilham lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
25
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Illy, Hami
Variants: Ilhaam, Ilhami, İlham
Sibling names for Ilham
Names that share Ilham's style, for a brother or sister.
